Game notes: B-C received a wake-up call at Strom Thurmond in the region opener, losing 42-13 to the Rebels. The Bearcats tied the score at 7-7 with 1:04 remaining in the first quarter, but did not score again until there were 34 seconds remaining in the game. QB Zeke Walker had a hand in both B-C touchdowns – one by land, one by air. Sure, it was a blowout but the Bearcats are still in the running for home playoff date if they can rebound Gilbert dropped a 35-28 decision to Midland Valley in the region opener and on homecoming. The Indians again put up impressive offensive numbers, but had defensive issues once more. QB Mitch Spires was 15-for-30 passing for 252 yards and two touchdowns. RB Jakayus Leaphart had 141 yards rushing and two TDs on 21 carries. WR Tristan Register caught five passes for 124 yards and two scores.

Series history: Gilbert’s 49-13 romp last season staked the Indians to a 2-1 series lead.

Airport (1-5, 0-1 Region 5-3A) vs. Strom Thurmond (5-1, 1-0)

Site: Eagle Stadium.

Time: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Game notes: Slumping Airport suffered a 35-25 setback against Swansea in the region opener. It was the fifth straight loss for the Eagles since opening the season with a 7-6 win over Westside. QB Dylan Harrington provided some highlights – passing for 168 yards and three touchdowns. WR Ben Mertz caught nine passes for 102 yards and one TD. RB Cory Bradley had 124 yards rushing and one scoring catch ... Strom Thurmond opened its march to another region championship with an impressive 42-13 win over previously unbeaten Brookland-Cayce. QB Jauveer Hammond was at it again, connecting on 13 of 17 passes for 201 yards and three touchdowns in the romp. Delonte Bates paced Thurmond’s 271-yard rushing attack with 103 yards and one TD on nine carries.

Series history: Airport’s only success in five tries against Strom Thurmond was in 2007. The Rebels rolled to a 40-6 win last season.

Swansea (4-2, 1-0 Region 5-3A) vs. Midland Valley (4-2, 1-0)

Site: Doug Bennett Stadium.

Time: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Game notes: Swansea opened the region with a 35-25 win over Airport. The Tigers piled up 280 yards rushing and 109 passing against the Eagles. Travis Loadholt ran for 140 yards and one touchdown, while Chance Walker raced for 112 yards and three TDs. QB Clay Lucas was 6-for-14 passing for 95 yards and one score. WR Craig Johnson caught four passes for 75 yards and one TD. Reggie Hampton and Chris Burnswick led the hit parade on defense with 11 and 10 tackles, respectively Midland Valley topped Gilbert 35-28 in the region opener behind Dre and Daniel Carr. Dre Carr ran for 102 yards and three touchdowns. QB Daniel Carr ran for 122 yards and was 10-for-18 passing for 209 yards and two TDs. WR Trenton Baughman caught four passes for 99 yards and one score. The Mustangs have scored a region-high 231 points (38.5 ppg).

Series history: Swansea’s 41-0 win last season was the first in five tries for the Tigers against Midland Valley.